You Lift Like a Girl

It’s an intriguing possibility. While it’s too soon to say, “an apple a day keeps the doldrums away,” researchers are studying the links between what we eat and how we feel. There is evidence that changing your diet can alter your metabolism and brain chemistry, ultimately affecting your energy level and mood Getting Started Foods can boost energy in three ways: by providing sufficient calories, by delivering stimulants like caffeine, and by pushing the metabolism to burn fuel more efficiently. As for mood, the best foods are those that stabilize blood sugar and trigger feel-good brain chemicals, such as serotonin. Keep clicking to learn which foods and drinks can do the job. Smart Carbs Carbs may be the foe of fad diets, but they’re vital for boosting energy and mood. They are the body’s preferred source of fuel, plus they raise serotonin levels. The key is to avoid sweets, which cause blood sugar to spike and plummet, leading to fatigue and moodiness. Instead, turn to whole grains li...

It's that intense time of year again, when the lows are low and the highs are high. Here are our picks of uplifting foods that will banish the blues, keep you focused, and maybe even make you a little sexier. Bon appetit! Peppermint It's nature's drill sergeant, telling your brain to wake up and focus! Perfect for helping you handle all those must-do holiday details. The next time you're dragging, pop a piece of peppermint gum and listen to your brain say, "Can do!" Dark Chocolate An ounce or two may be just enough to release the feel-good brain chemical serotonin. Plus, you'll get a three-way energy kick from chocolate's caffeine, theobromine, and phenylethylamine (a cousin of amphetamine). And the antioxidants in 70% dark chocolate do your arteries good, too. No wonder we crave the irresistible stuff. Wild Salmon (mackerel and herring, too) Logged more miles in a day at the mall than you usually do in a week on the treadmill? The accumulated anti-i...

Okay ~ Not highly relevant to OUR health, per se...and I'm not a Momma yet, but just wanted to share with all my beautiful Mommies. HAPPY FRIDAY, ladies! xoxo Babies who watch TV are more likely to have delayed cognitive development and language at 14 months, especially if they're watching programs intended for adults and older children. We probably knew that 24 and Grey's Anatomy don't really qualify as educational content, but it's surprising that TV-watching made a difference at such a tender age. Babies who watched 60 minutes of TV daily had developmental scores one-third lower at 14 months than babies who weren't watching that much TV. Though their developmental scores were still in the normal range, the discrepancy may be due to the fact that when kids and parents are watching TV, they're missing out on talking, playing, and interactions that are essential to learning and development. This new study, which appeared in the Archives of Pediatric and Adol...

INGREDIENTS: 1 serving Kroger Carbmaster Vanilla Yogurt 1 1/2 cup brown sugar SPLENDA 1 1/2 cup granulated SPLENDA 3 egg whites 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (optional) 1 1/2 cups Red Mill Oat Flour flour * I've partially substituted vanilla protein powder to this receipe before also...just for a little extra MUSCLE! ;) 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (I add more, but ♥ me some CINNAMON!) 3 cups rolled oats 1/2 cup dried cranberries DIRECTIONS 1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2.In a large bowl, cream together the yogurt, both sugars (SPLENDA) until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon & pumpkin spice; stir into the sugar mixture. Stir in the oats and cranberries. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. 3.Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 2 minutes b...

Most of us look forward to the holiday season with its events, activities, traditions and of course, the food. Is it possible to enjoy the holiday season without getting off track of your fitness program, or worse yet, gaining weight? It sure is. It may not always be easy, but with setting yourself up with some ground rules, you can enjoy holiday parties without overdoing the food and without starving yourself. The following are some ideas to help you enjoy the season and keep on track with your program. 1. Don’t listen to your friends People aren’t intentionally out to sabotage their friend’s goals, but they often-times aren’t overly supportive of others trying to maintain a clean diet, especially during the holiday season. If you intend to be around other people who may be eating sweets, treats and other unhealthy foods, be prepared. If you walk up to them with a plate full of vegetables and other healthy options as they’re eating fried and sweetened appetizers, you may make them fee...